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Contact us at cmj2nc@aol.com
2008, 2009, 2010 FAMILIES
CALL YVETTE 994-9648, email Nanee_angel@yahoo.com
Contact us at cmj2nc@aol.com
2008, 2009, 2010 FAMILIES
CALL YVETTE 994-9648, email Nanee_angel@yahoo.com
1,318 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 400 of 1318 Newer› Newest»“BACK TO THE PIT
FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF RIO RANCHO HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES DISCUSSION GROUP”
After reading your blogs, newspaper stories, and the koat newscast we are behind you.
Dr. Cleveland we want this graduation at THE PIT, thank you.
“BACK TO THE PIT
FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF RIO RANCHO HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES DISCUSSION GROUP”
BRAVO!
Rio Rancho Schools we want this graduation at THE PIT, thank you.
"An editor and the administration all referred to the “many” that wanted this, what is the problem with putting this to a vote, right now? You will all find out the actual “many” want this event at “The Pit”. Our Seniors will have to revert back to their grade school days, you print up what 750 notes home with 2 boxes to check on the note - “The Pit” or no “Pit”, parents and guardians along with each Senior will vote. Unlike the decree that has been imposed upon everyone, where only a certain “many” voices were heard and acted on, simply, that decision that act in itself is so wrong and so very unfair, this is America right? (The school Board is supposed to uphold the Constitution of the United States, just ask them). Make sure you number each one of these notes that way they can be counted fairly. Add a few lines so the Graduate and their Parent/Guardian can print and sign. If you have a better idea, wonderful as long as the vote process is fair. If the vote comes back no “Pit”, then the editor, the administration and the so called “many” had a finger on the pulse and IF the vote comes back “The Pit” then Hallelujah! Times a wastin’!"
I have heard and seen some bad things here in Rio Rancho schools. The best thing that could happen is to return the graduation to the Pit.
Quinn
Our family supports the petition to return to the Pit.
Jen
Dr. Cleveland please come back to your senses, for goodness sake they are naming a school after you, show some basic human compassion and fairness here!
Ron
No vote, no input, no choice, no time to cancel family coming in from out of town, only a chosen few were allowed to complain about the last graduation. Then no Star center. Go back to The Pit.
Emily
We would like to contribute to this blog and ask that you change your decision. We know it is not too late and you can cancel the so called contract.
Irene
I agree with the petition and would like to vote to go back to the UNM Pit.
Marvin
Families and graduates have been discriminated against, not everyone was allowed to have a voice in this decision. It was highly one sided. Go back to the Pit.
Charles
I am a Hispanic-Latino, Anglo American woman.
This decision is DISCRIMINATORY:
FACT: Class grade level seniors, young women and young men were scheduled to graduate from high school by a set location determined by date and time, at the original venue, which is the University of New Mexico Arena also known as The Pit.
FACT: Rio Rancho School personnel did willfully and knowingly change the original venue to the Star center owned by the Santa Ana casino with two (2) months remaining in the school year.
FACT: The school personnel decision, imposition, requirement and mandate willfully and knowingly impedes families with a specific amount of children, parents, grandparents and alienates and excludes each of them from this public event where you are not monetarily charged to attend but you are allowed entry by rationed tickets only.
FACT: The school personnel decision, imposition, requirement and mandate willfully and knowingly prohibits aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and generations of living relatives from attending the graduation. Dependent upon the size of the family and who uses the 6 available tickets.
FACT: The school personnel decision, imposition, requirement and mandate willfully and knowingly prohibits any persons that have been deemed friend from attending the graduation. Dependent upon the size of the family and who uses the 6 available tickets.
FACT: The school personnel decision, imposition, requirement and mandate venue change from said, UNM Arena to the Star center assists in this impeding, dismissal and exclusion of persons.
FACT: The venue change occurred as told by school personnel, when unnamed “persons” asked, complained and insisted said change occur. Exact time frame is undetermined.
FACT: An undetermined “many” persons superseded the one hundred percent availability of any input from the rest of all other persons directly affected by this willful change of venue.
FACT: School personnel admit to willfully and knowingly understand and stated they considered the entire matter affecting everyone! Thus confirming their complete negligence and ignorance of the seriousness of the matter.
FACT: No votes were cast formally or informally by one hundred percent of all persons affected. School personnel both willfully and knowingly did not utilize this method and tool.
FACT: No poll or other data was investigated and analyzed formally or informally by one hundred percent of all persons affected. School personnel both willfully and knowingly did not utilize this method and tool.
FACT: School personnel both willfully and knowingly did impose, require and mandate all actions causing an undetermined amount of persons to be adversely affected, emotionally, psychologically and financially. Contrary to the pursuit of happiness.
FACT: Said discrimination affects directly and indirectly both genders, all ages and all races.
FACT: An actual count of each nationality will determine which nationalities are affected and to what degree.
FACT: Your immediate family is absolutely penalized by the amount of persons in your household or related by blood. Example if you have 4 living grandparents and 2 parents you have exhausted the rationed amount of tickets given. Regardless of how many siblings you have.
FACT: Or if you have 2 parents and 4 siblings not counting the graduate as a sibling you have exhausted the rationed tickets given. Regardless if you have grandparents.
FACT: Keep in mind we have families here that in fact were not raised by their blood mother or blood father.
FACT: All scenarios exclude anyone else regardless of relationship by blood or otherwise.
FACT: Allowing each senior to allocate additional tickets at best confirms, that someone loses out. And this process is not wholly fair. This also leads to a myriad of other dynamics within the social interaction of each person.
FACT: Allocating additional tickets at best confirms, that someone loses out. And no process is wholly fair. First come first served is least fair. Other dynamics factor in.
FACT: to be continued
I am very impressed!
Count us in!
Fair Vote by parents or go back to THE PIT
Like the songs says:
"WE'RE NOT GONNA TAKE
no, We Ain't Gonna Take It
oh We're Not Gonna Take It Anymore
we've Got The Right To Choose And
there Ain't No Way We'll Lose It
this Is Our Life, This Is Our Song
we'll Fight The Powers That Be Just
don't Pick Our Destiny 'cause
you Don't Know Us, You Don't Belong
"
We agree to return the graduation BACK TO THE PIT!
BACK TO THE PIT!
BACK TO THE PIT!
I read the different remarks and this song came to mind
BACK TO THE PIT!
it is that simple......
Jennifer
BACK TO THE PIT!
it is that simple
Pat
BACK TO THE PIT!
it is so simple
Laura
YEAAHH!
nice blog web!
BACK TO THE PIT!
it is so simple
Carla
BACK TO THE PIT!
it is so simple
BACK TO THE PIT!
it is so simple
BACK TO THE PIT!
it is so simple
What RRPS and staff did was WRONG!
No input
No vote
No say
No way
BACK TO THE PIT!
it is so simple
it really is!
BACK TO THE PIT!
it is so simple
we agree
WE want our family, grandparents and relatives and friends to see the graduation and 6 tickets won’t be enough!
Rio Rancho needs to re-think their decision!
Return to the PIT!
I want my family to see me graduate and 6 tickets won’t be enough! Rio Rancho needs to go back to the pit.
YES the district should have come up with a variety of options and make them available to the public, obtain feedback and base the decision on that feedback in combination with sound financial decisions (as well as access, parking, etc.). YES the timing should have been better. YES the district has not given the public a voice. YES it should probably be moved back to the PIT for this year's graduation.
BUT, as a parent of a student who graduated last year, I have to say that the behavior of the parents at the graduation ceremony was absolutely embarrassing, intolerable, and would've prompted almost any administration to call off graduation the next year and mail out diplomas (which they have the right to do...graduation ceremonies are conducted as a way to celebrate the graduates...it is not a mandatory event). I saw entire family groups booing administration and staff when their names were called, entire family groups getting up and leaving in a very disruptive and rude fashion right in the middle of the processional call, and more. By comparison, the students were amazingly well behaved, and I was embarrassed for my son and his friends who demonstrated maturity far exceeding that of many of the parents in the audience.
I understand the district trying to change the "venue" in an attempt to bring a semblance of order and dignity back to the graduation ceremony. Granted, not everyone should pay for last year's badly behaved parents, but I just want everyone in this blog to have a bit more of the whole picture.
I'm still in support of moving graduation back to the PIT, but eventually, a Rio Rancho-based graduation will be happening and parents need to decide if those proceedings will be conducted with the dignity, respect and seriousness that everyone is expecting and calling for in this blog.
BACK TO THE PIT TODAY
Hello 06 Parent,
Thank you, for the information regarding what happened last year.
Thank you for sharing that.
I respect your points of view and would ask others to add to what they also observed. I believe there are some blogs here that also mentioned their observations from last year.
Wrong is wrong regarding what you observed from last year.
We are willing to do ANYTHING to assist RRPS in not having the same bad behavior for 2007.
We are willing to pay for extra security. Whatever is asked we are willing to do.
We have parents willing to pay for the entire cost of The Pit, that is how serious it is!
We are very glad you see our concerns as well.
Wrong is wrong and what the administration has done for 2007 is very wrong.
Let that be there emphasis, "GO BACK TO THE PIT"
and state, we will not return to The Pit if we have a dejavu of 06!
If EVERYONE voted and this changed occurred, that is different. But as we know that was not allowed, and that is very WRONG.
Honestly, this was not at all fair. You CANNOT punish 06 for 07.
One parent wrote if I punish one son for what his brother did they would always be grounded!
Our big push right now is:
Tear up the contract and let us know what the cost is to do that.
GO BACK TO THE PIT.
Or
Let families with graduating seniors have a FAIR vote.
They are stalling right now this is going to get very ugly, people have every right to call them on this one, quoting - “THIS IS AMERICA”.
The administration is using their energy in the wrong direction.
They need to do the right thing not the wrong thing.
Also, FYI: 08 wants the graduation at The Pit. Just watch.
06 Parent, if you know anyone that wants this graduation to “GO BACK TO THE PIT” please forward this blog web to them.
We truly appreciate you sharing.
Yours truly,
Tony
What 06 Parent said...
YES the district should have come up with a variety of options and make them available to the public, obtain feedback and base the decision on that feedback in combination with sound financial decisions (as well as access, parking, etc.). YES the timing should have been better. YES the district has not given the public a voice. YES it should probably be moved back to the PIT for this year's graduation.
BUT, as a parent of a student who graduated last year, I have to say that the behavior of the parents at the graduation ceremony was absolutely embarrassing, intolerable, and would've prompted almost any administration to call off graduation the next year and mail out diplomas (which they have the right to do...graduation ceremonies are conducted as a way to celebrate the graduates...it is not a mandatory event). I saw entire family groups booing administration and staff when their names were called, entire family groups getting up and leaving in a very disruptive and rude fashion right in the middle of the processional call, and more. By comparison, the students were amazingly well behaved, and I was embarrassed for my son and his friends who demonstrated maturity far exceeding that of many of the parents in the audience.
I understand the district trying to change the "venue" in an attempt to bring a semblance of order and dignity back to the graduation ceremony. Granted, not everyone should pay for last year's badly behaved parents, but I just want everyone in this blog to have a bit more of the whole picture.
I'm still in support of moving graduation back to the PIT, but eventually, a Rio Rancho-based graduation will be happening and parents need to decide if those proceedings will be conducted with the dignity, respect and seriousness that everyone is expecting and calling for in this blog.
Thank you 06 Parent
"YES the district should have come up with a variety of options and make them available to the public, obtain feedback and base the decision on that feedback in combination with sound financial decisions (as well as access, parking, etc.). YES the timing should have been better. YES the district has not given the public a voice. YES it should probably be moved back to the PIT for this year's graduation."
kudos to the 06 Parent!!
thank you.
pass it on!!!
Hello 06 parent,
Thank you, if possible please email me at cmj2nc@aol.com
I had some questions about last year that would take up too much time blogging you with all the traffic.
Thank you,
Sorry if I am late,
better late then never, right?
Well anyway, everything that needs to be said has been said.
Some great stuff here, thank you for doing this, thank you, thank you.
We are parents that were glad to find out the graduation was going to be in town.
BUT!!!
Not how it has been illegally enforced!!
Has someone consulted an attorney?
I will email you some good ones.
GO BACK TO THE PIT
I do believe this is DISCRIMINATION and we should hold those responsible for this major problem.
Don’t let them off the hook.
That all folks…
Hector
quoting Chris B
"back, back, back, back, back"
to the PIT!!!
100% in support
Our Graduate’s Graduation announcements and keep in mind as well as numerous other families’ announcements were ordered with the understanding the Graduation would be at “The Pit”. Had we known the location would be changed this would have influenced our purchase of these announcements and the amount needed.
Why would we have wasted money on announcements that are inviting many people to an event they can’t go to? Most of the tickets are going only to immediate family. People with large families and a large network are penalized. Not so at “The Pit” venue.
“The announcements do say The Pit, however, there is an insert being done for the new location with a map”. This is the exact quote by Jostens, the business doing our announcements; we have requested that they provide us with a full refund, as we will cancel this order. We are encouraging others to do likewise.
Oh now you tell me when we already invited close family. This is not right. Count us it too.
Back to THE PIT NOW!!
2006 graduate family supports the class of 2007
RRPS is dead wrong
EXCELLENT BLOG WE SALUTE YOU!!!
MAN, WE AGREE WITH EVERYTHING, WE NEED TO GET AN ATTORNEY ON THIS I KNOW SOME ALSO.
IT SURE IS NICE TO GET OTHERS INVOLVED, THERE IS STUFF HERE WE DID NOT EVEN REALIZE.
THEY ARE TRYING TO PULL THE WOOL OVER OUR EYES.
WE CANNOT LET THEM GETAWAY WITH THIS ONE.
SORRY IF I AM LATE TO THE DANCE.
CORKY
PS: THE ANNOUNCEMENTS SUCK!!
Oh now you tell me when we already invited close family.
This is not right.
Count us ALL in too.
and the hits just keep on coming!!!
chant:
"Pit"
"Pit"
"Pit"
"Pit"
"Pit"
"Pit"
"Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit"
Hey Bernard we're with you......
"Pit"
"Pit"
"Pit"
"Pit"
"Pit"
"Pit"
"Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit"
"Pit"
"Pit"
"Pit"
"Pit"
"Pit"
"Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit"
No the "blogs" just keep on comin"
Hey Bernard we're with you too......
all the children said,
"Pit"
"Pit"
"Pit"
"Pit"
"Pit"
"Pit"
"Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit"
"Pit""Pit""Pit"
"Pit"
"Pit"
"Pit"
"Pit"
"Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit"
who is Bernard and what is this chant he started?
it is Contagious
"Pit"
"Pit"
"Pit"
i "PIT"y the fool
i "PIT"y the foo
i "PIT"y the high school
i "PIT"y the fools at the high school
funny guys and gals funny..
lets get serious now....
"Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit"
faster now.......
"Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit
slower now.....
"Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit
now the tall people......
"Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit
ok, this is fun.....
"Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit
Alright already!!!
cool it.
RRPS will not take us serious.
We really need to
go back to the
"Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit"
Look what you started Bernard!
Chain reaction
"Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit
Good deal, we support everyone here blogging along.
When the red red robin starts blog blog blogging along,
along.....
Seriously, RRPS we really want you to change your mind, thank you.
For the sake of thousands of people that want to go.
and to the 06 Parent, thank you.
I was there, we like you also behaved.
Go Back to the PIT please.
"Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit
We would like to respectfully request that Dr. Sue Cleveland come to her senses and return the class of 2007 back to the Pit.
We know you can cancel the contract and we know you can change your mind.
What you are doing is very wrong and it is discrimination.
You cannot do this when clearly you have not asked everyone affected.
Someone with courage at RRPS needs to stand up and stop this.
Chant again:
"Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit
Thanks Bernard,
Rachel
Thank you very much 06 Parent
well worded.
"YES the district should have come up with a variety of options and make them available to the public, obtain feedback and base the decision on that feedback in combination with sound financial decisions (as well as access, parking, etc.). YES the timing should have been better. YES the district has not given the public a voice. YES it should probably be moved back to the PIT for this year's graduation."
Thank you 06 Parent
"YES the district should have come up with a variety of options and make them available to the public, obtain feedback and base the decision on that feedback in combination with sound financial decisions (as well as access, parking, etc.). YES the timing should have been better. YES the district has not given the public a voice. YES it should probably be moved back to the PIT for this year's graduation."
Hello Bernard,
thank you for the catchy chant:
"Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit"
Pass it on to everyone you know!!
Victoria
“BACK TO THE PIT
FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF RIO RANCHO HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES DISCUSSION GROUP”
After reading your blogs, newspaper stories, and the Koat newscast we are behind you.
Dr. Cleveland we want this graduation at THE PIT, thank you.
"Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit""Pit"
Jackie
"Can't we all just get along"
and Go Back to The Pit??!!
We support returning to The Pit
Hello all Bloggers.
Great stuff here.
This is awesome.
We are glad someone had the moxy to let them know we really care.
We support everyone here all the way.
I will email you direct let me know how else we can help.
We will pass this on too.
Gordon
AWESOME!
I just read about this site in the RR Observer!
This is outstanding.
I agree:
Go back to The Pit, because it is the RIGHT thing to do.
OR
Put it to a fair vote period and you will have all your answers and problems solved and then you did what you should have done in the first place.
It really is that simple.
Wise up, or forget about the "money and the contract", or tell who is ever driving this you won't do it, you won't do thousands of people and children wrong.
http://129.24.2.119/fbonline5/calendar.asp?filter=&month=5&day=19&year=2007&x=14&y=6
Please paste this info into your browser, or you might be able to click on it, the original Graduation date of 5/19 is still open.
We can still return to “The Pit”.
RRPS, regarding your decision to change this year’s Graduation to the center.
The Rio Rancho High School Agenda Book clearly states the Graduation will be at “The Pit”.
This is what we used to plan out this important event in our Child’s life.
Oh my,
I really like your blogspot.
We support everyone rising to this task, blog on & go back to the PIT Rio Rancho, NM!
"THINK ABOUT THIS!!!
Everyone here has a good point but really, really think about this:
Driving to; Parking; Leaving; Driving home!
How much traffic comes in and out of the pit when you are at an event?
But at least there you have 4 different ways to get in and out and a new 4 lane freeway to get in and out, so by the time to get home if you live in Rio Rancho or on the west side is maybe about a half an hour or so, not bad.
At the Santa Ana, with 700 to 750 students, which at least three fourths and more will be driving themselves, since they have to be there 2 hours early. Or their parents will be driving them. Plus school staff and Santa Ana staff that have to get there to prepare. Then all the families will be driving and the other fortunate ones that get to go, so total you are looking at a lot of automobiles driving there all at once. You will have to drive through Rio Rancho to get to a 2 lane road, with ONLY a 1 lane entrance, now that is dangerous! Could and accident occur? Yes! That will not cut down on driving time it will take you longer.
What about the parking?
That too, is going to be a major mess, and will not properly accommodate all of those vehicles. That will also add to the delay before the graduation even starts.
Now when it is time to go home you are looking at all those people and cars trying to get out of an area that has ONLY 1 way out and back to a 2 lane road! Here you are looking at a long wait if you are lucky and with no accidents. If there is an accident it is really going to be a major mess because then everyone heading in that direction will have to wait, do you get the picture?
I’d rather be coming out of the pit with more ways out to help us if something goes wrong, where if God forbid someone gets in an accident, at least you can find a way to turn around or find another road to turn on to.
What if someone gets in an accident coming from or going to the Santa Ana, where are our choices to get out of traffic?
WAIT, there are NONE because there is ONLY 1 way in and 1 way out and it is a 2 lane road with NO turn around area anywhere except when you are on 528 or Northern!!!
TO ALL OF THE OFFICALS WHO CHANGED THIS!!
Start praying no one gets hurt on their way there or the way home because then you will have legal problems to deal with! God forbid a loss of life occurs!
Nobody wants that?!
Better yet change the graduation Back to the Pit and avoid all this.
THINK ABOUT THAT!!!!!!!"
Jasmine
To anonymous,
You wrote "posse"
Is that slang from “Bonanza”?
Or what did you mean?
If you joined in late,
The School Board never tabled this matter.
They pointed the finger back to the administration.
So this never was voted on.
We would like this to go the a fair vote,
from parents, guardians and graduating seniors.
So if it stays in “RIO RANCHO” then it stays,
But if it goes back to The PIT then goes back.
That is all that is being asked.
Read the other blogs it will bring you up to date.
See you there
Hope
PETITION TO GO BACK TO THE PIT
not the center
Ernest
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."
John
"While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,
Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free,
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer.
God Bless America.
Land that I love
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies ,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America
My home sweet home."
Many bloggers have asked or stated that this is "America"
and YES we have rights.
"Touché"
"My country, 'tis of Thee,
Sweet Land of Liberty
Of thee I sing;
Land where my fathers died,
Land of the pilgrims' pride,
From every mountain side
Let Freedom ring.
My native country, thee,
Land of the noble free,
Thy name I love;
I love thy rocks and rills,
Thy woods and templed hills,
My heart with rapture thrills
Like that above.
Let music swell the breeze,
And ring from all the trees
Sweet Freedom's song;
Let mortal tongues awake;
Let all that breathe partake;
Let rocks their silence break,
The sound prolong.
Our fathers' God to Thee,
Author of Liberty,
To thee we sing,
Long may our land be bright
With Freedom's holy light,
Protect us by thy might
Great God, our King.
Our glorious Land to-day,
'Neath Education's sway,
Soars upward still.
Its hills of learning fair,
Whose bounties all may share,
Behold them everywhere
On vale and hill!
Thy safeguard, Liberty,
The school shall ever be,
Our Nation's pride!
No tyrant hand shall smite,
While with encircling might
All here are taught the Right
With Truth allied.
Beneath Heaven's gracious will
The stars of progress still
Our course do sway;
In unity sublime
To broader heights we climb,
Triumphant over Time,
God speeds our way!
Grand birthright of our sires,
Our altars and our fires
Keep we still pure!
Our starry flag unfurled,
The hope of all the world,
In peace and light impearled,
God hold secure!"
Knock! Knock!
who's there?
PIT!
PIT who!
PITiful decision by the school to change the graduation!
"Whatever the merits of moving the Rio Rancho High School graduation ceremony to the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, the decision should have been made before rather than after families had begun planning.
Extended family members have already made travel plans and requested vacation times in anticipation of attending the ceremony for which they may not now get tickets.
It is apparent there was not enough public deliberation about this issue.
A decision affecting the entire school population should have been discussed publicly so that all voices were heard prior to the decision, particularly since the number of seats available to family and friends of the graduates has been reduced by more than two thirds.
Please join us in moving the graduation ceremony back to The Pit.
Sign the Petition by adding a comment to the open thread on the web log."
We support this blog site
Bob
Anonymous,
Thanks for your opinion. Whether or not I voted or didn’t vote for a school board member is irrelevant given that the decision to move the graduation ceremony was an administrative decision made after the middle of the year. If you are really the parent of an RRHS graduate then you must have the graduation announcements that say the ceremony will be held at The Pit. Excellent planning--that means we have to stick in that little insert that may as well say “DON’T BOTHER COMING. THERE WILL BE NO ROOM FOR YOU!” By the way, does your conscientious vote for a school board member require you to agree with every position they hold?
If you are truly concerned about parental participation, shouldn’t you be applauding this effort asking the community to become involved in this important event? I’m shocked that you think there’s a restriction on a parent’s right to cry foul at any point in time they feel the need to.
You ask “where does it stop?” Well, I can’t speak for every graduate, but if you have family and friends who have planned to be there for you—to take the time out of their busy lives to mark a milestone with you, than I suppose it would stop at that number. Let’s see: 2 parents + 4 grandparents + 3 brothers and one sister-in-law—that’s 10 already and I’m only counting the immediate family. What about 2 godparents? A favorite aunt and uncle? A best friend who goes to private school? I’m not even including the stepmother or the two ugly stepsisters. I would hardly call these individuals a “posse.”
You should be embarrassed by your own condescending attitude regarding large families. Your use of the term “posse” makes me wonder if you’re a bigot. Do you have a problem with people who have lots of close friends? I wonder if you’re not projecting your own social inadequacies onto those of us who have a lot of folks who we love and include in family gatherings. By your logic Snow White would have to choose among the seven dwarves, the prince, and her fairy godmothers. Oh, wait a minute--it was Sleeping Beauty who had the three fairy godmothers. Four, if you count Maleficent. But, you get my point.
The way I see it, the day is for the graduates to celebrate with the people they love. They have worked hard and earned this celebration. If you have to ask “where does it stop?” —well, I feel sorry for you.
Eve
OOHH MAN that was good
"my posse's on broadway"
YO, anon,
if you are only taking 4 I need your extra tickets call me
Snow White
"Those who fail to know their history are doomed to repeat it"
"In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people."
The decision to move graduation is terrible. How does the school believe it is a superior building? It’s smaller and I believe that it was NOWHERE near the University Arena, “The PIT” in a recent list of top venues. The Pit was in the top twenty, number thirteen! Who would want their picture displayed on the widescreens, “The PIT” also has widescreens?
Tradition has always been to hold graduation at “The PIT”. Why break that tradition that’s been with the school – especially at a venue that clearly does not meet all needs.
15,000 seats compared to 4,500 seats – “GO BIG OR STAY HOME”!
". . . You should be embarrassed by your own condescending attitude regarding large families.
Your use of the term “posse” makes me wonder if you’re a bigot.
Do you have a problem with people who have lots of close friends?
I wonder if you’re not projecting your own social inadequacies onto those of us who have a lot of folks who we love and include in family gatherings.
By your logic Snow White would have to choose among the seven dwarves, the prince, and her fairy godmothers.
Oh, wait a minute--it was Sleeping Beauty who had the three fairy godmothers.
Four, if you count Maleficent. But, you get my point.
The way I see it, the day is for the graduates to celebrate with the people they love.
They have worked hard and earned this celebration.
If you have to ask “where does it stop?” —well, I feel sorry for you. . ."
Rio Rancho High School, we agree and support your return the UNM PIT,
Betty
THIS BLOG SPOT REALLY REALLY REALLY IS GREAT KEEP UP THE OUTSTANDING WORK HERE WE ARE SO SO GLAD TO BE ABLE TO HAVE A VOICE IN THIS GIGANTIC MISTAKE AFFECTING OUR CHILDREN OUR FAMILIES OUR COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE
SUSAN
Bobby D said...
"Come writers and critics
Who prophesize with your pen
And keep your eyes wide
The chance won't come again
And don't speak too soon
For the wheel's still in spin
And there's no tellin' who
That it's namin'.
For the loser now
Will be later to win
For the times they are a-changin'."
Please allow the parents the legal guardians and seniors vote. Put this problem to a FAIR vote.
I want to see my niece graduate at the pit not at a center that sounds a lot like a casino.
Are we going to the casino after the graduation, maybe that is where the staff and board members will be. Heh that is why they changed it, now we can understand their decision better. What were you all thinking!!
Herein, confirms that the person or persons involved in making this last minute decision/change did not take into full account all of this information!
If this was not a last minute decision, then why did it take until March 2007 to spring it on us?
Was there a vote?
Was balanced input solicited?
Who, What, When, Where, Why and How did this come about?
Please be respectfully advised that we are not in the minority here, we are in the majority here and absolutely not at all happy with this last minute change!
Lets put it to a vote now.
I want to see my sister graduate and get her diploma.
But I might have to give my ticket to Grandma so she can go.
Now that is not right.
Please help us get it back to the pit so everyone can go who wants to.
I just read my Observer
sorry I must have not gotten the memo
WOW, who paid who to get this changed?
Jay
Sue Cleveland, you are going to get sued or have an injunction brought against you.
What comes around will go around.
Honestly, you are a much better person than this big mess.
Here is your time to shine and stop this ordeal.
You have not heard the end of this.
Comment after comment show you never let parents vote.
You only let certain people call in and complain.
There is nothing wrong with that as long as you let everyone state their case.
That has not happened yet.
Have a fair vote or take it back to the PIT.
I am reading between the lines you are trying very hard to do the right thing and keep the graduation safe.
But the way you are handling this mistake will not set well at all.
Listen, just by you going back to the PIT will calm the crowd.
Sue, do the right thing.
Kyle
My daughter wants all of her family at her graduation.
Mom, dad, sisters, brother, aunts, uncles, grandparents and cousins. That comes to 16!
Don't make her choose who gets to go and who gets to stay home.
We all want to celebrate with her. BACK TO THE PIT!
Graduates and parents should have had a choice, it's our graduation, not the administrations!
We heard last year’s Graduation had a rowdy crowd and security was an issue? Please do not penalize the class of 2007 that cannot be blamed for last year.
"The Arena"
"The PIT"
"Sports Illustrated's Top-20 Sports Venues of the Century:
In June, 1999, Sports Illustrated listed its top-20 sporting venues of the century and The Pit checked in at No. 13.
“Sports Illustrated in 1999 named The Pit one of the Top 20 sporting venues of the 20th century — a list that includes Yankee Stadium, Wrigley Field, Pebble Beach and Daytona International.
Yeah, that’s big-time company. That’s like being compared to Babe Ruth, Joe Louis, Man O’ War, the Roman Empire, George Washington, Marlon Brando, Katharine Hepburn.
When you make an elite list like that maybe something special had to happen in The Pit above and beyond Lobos basketball.
And it did.”
We support this blog
Max
Please call or email:
Rio Rancho Blog
KOAT is interested in updating our story on your fight to have the
graduation ceremonies moved back to the Pit.
Please write back with contact information or give me a call.
Thanks,
Cary J. Schwanitz
505-884-6324
cschwanitz@hearst.com
Anonymous,
I noticed you didn’t deny being a bigot.
3 in my family.
"Nothing against large families"
qoute you called them "posse"?
I voted and I support the board too, maybe we can share recipes.
This matter never went to the board.
Perhaps they have lost sight of the goal: Do as I say not as I do. Input was not received from everyone.
The ceremony is just the asterik for the 12/13 years of education.
ditto-thanks for playing :-)
To anonymous
We heard you.
The board did not have a say in this.
Please email and call Stephanie:
HI, this is Stephanie from the Albuquerque Tribune. I'd like to speak to someone about this. My number is 823-3609.
Thanks,
Stephanie Garcia Krenrich
sgarciakrenrich@abqtrib.com
Hello everyone,
I am a graduating senior, YEEAAAHH!!!
I have read the blogs.
Several of us seniors really like the idea to have graduation here.
BUT, the way it all came about is so unfair.
So, no disrespect to the school, but we need to have the graduation where we were all told it would be to begin with, at THE PIT.
Thank you.
A O
Hello,
I am a graduating senior!!!!
Several of us really like the idea to have graduation here.
BUT, the way it all came about is so unfair!!!
No disrespect to the school, but I agree we need to have the graduation where we were all told it would be to begin with, at THE PIT.
Thank you for your time.
JL
13 years at RRPS
At the beginning of the year at the Senior Assembly when the Seniors were being told about ordering their cap and gowns and graduation announcements both Mr. Duncan, the activities director and Mr. VonAncken said that the class of 2007 would most likely be the biggest graduating class in New Mexico and in the history of Rio Rancho.
Also, that there are Seniors that have been going to RRPS their whole lives and they would like to do something special about that this year.
It was absolutely clear the venue would be “The Pit” and their would be no limit on people attending.
Therefore, plans, ordering announcements, buying airline tickets, scheduling time off were ALL done prior to this change!
They were well aware of this!
This also means they were well aware that just by the very size of the class graduating would indicate the strong likelihood that potentially more persons would be in attendance then all of the previous graduations!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!ATTENTION SENIORS!!!!!!!!!!!!
· PLEASE CONTACT http://rioranchogradsunite.blogspot.com/ or email: cmj2nc@aol.com TODAY!
· CALL RRPS DISTRICT TODAY IF YOU OR YOUR PARENTS ARE CONCERNED ABOUT GRADUATION BEING CHANGED TO THE SANTA ANA STAR CENTER (896-0667 SUPERINTENDENT & SCHOOL BOARD).
· TELL THEM YOU WANT IT AT “THE PIT”
· IF THEY REALLY WANTED OUT OF THE CONRACT, THEY CAN GET OUT OF THE CONRACT. "NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE"
· MAKE SURE YOUR PARENTS KNOW YOUR GRADUATION ANNOUNCEMENTS WILL STILL SAY “THE PIT” ON THE ANNOUNCEMENT BUT THERE WILL BE AN INSERT STATING THE CHANGE (HOW TACKY) YOU CAN STILL GET A REFUND.
· REMEMBER THERE IS ONLY ONE LANE ENTERING AND ONE LANE LEAVING THE CENTER IMAGINE THE MESS FOR BOTH STUDENTS AND PARENTS HAVING TO DRIVE THERE.
· WE SHOULD HAVE A SAY IN WHERE WE WANT TO GRADUATE; REMEMBER SENIORS IN THE WORDS OF OUR PRINCIPAL “THE CHOICE IS YOURS!!!!!!!!!!”
WHEN YOU ALL OPEN THE OTHER HIGH SCHOOL
THEN YOU CAN HAVE YOUR GRADUATION IN RIO RANCHO
BECAUSE UNTIL THEN
RRHS WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE THE MOST SENIORS GRADUATING YEAR IN AND YEAR OUT
WHO IS KEEPING COUNT?
IF I KNOW THAT HOW IS IT THE ONES RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS SOMEHOW FORGOT THAT?
THAT IS WHY A NEW SCHOOL IS NEEDED RIGHT?
WE FULLY SUPPORT THE HAVE THE GRADUATION AT THE PIT
SERIOUSLY…SIMPLY, WHAT PRICE DO YOU PLACE ON A CELEBRATION OF LOVE AND LIFE?!
THE COST THE SAVINGS THAT MRS. CLEVELAND AND MR. VONANCKEN ALLUDE TO ABSOLUTELY DO NOT OUT WEIGH WHAT WILL BE COMPLETELY LOST!
YES, EVEN TO ATTEMPT TO PLACE A PRICE ON THIS ENTIRE PROCESS, CELEBRATION AND EVENT IS INAPPROPRIATE BECAUSE IT IS TRULY “PRICELESS”!
TO ARGUE THIS IMPORTANT POINT IS IGNORANCE AND…..WELL….VERY WRONG.
Save my everyone's sanity!
Please move the Rio Rancho High School graduation ceremony back to The PIT.
Right now!
I am the mother of four children and writing this on behalf of my husband and family.
Our son is graduating and we don't have enough tickets.
Four grandparents, two parents and three siblings comes out to nine guests. Oops, I hope that does not offend anyone!
Someone, was overly concerned about how many children one has?
We are three tickets short.
A person noted earlier that they don't want to shortchange anyone out of a ticket, neither do we.
You are making us choose who will get to go and you are making us cheat someone else from going.
My son has asked for extra tickets and there is none available.
We are asking Dr. Cleveland to allow families and graduates to vote and return this celebration to the Pit.
Thank you,
Julia
Dr. Cleveland,
This is the Largest Graduating Class in Rio Rancho history and the largest Class in the state.
To place the largest Class in a smaller venue is not a well thought out plan at this late notice no matter what the logic.
It clearly discriminates against person's with "large families" and prohibits anyone else they know from being able to come.
My day really goes by, there is not enough time in the day.
For anyone out of their busy schedule to want to go to a "high school graduation" really wants to go.
Sorry to hear about 06.
Lets not be prejudice here.
If someone wants to go then that is up to them.
Higher extra guards.
Change this back.
Thank you,
Jeremy
"BACK TO THE PIT"
OR
Please allow the parents the legal guardians and seniors vote.
Put this problem to a FAIR vote.
Not controlled completely by RRPS.
A FAIR vote.
"A newspaper article stated, 'many' parents called asking to have the graduation changed to the Santa Ana Star owned by the casino/center hockey rink.
There will now be 'many' more parents calling to complain that this was not a well thought out idea.
Per the newspaper a handful of parents requested this?
This does not go over very well for Everyone affected regarding the decision process and the person or persons behind it.
'Many'?
How many was 'many'?
Lets put this to a vote, just do the math if 10,000+ persons can’t attend, then clearly there are 'many' more then the 'many' the administration is stating wanted this change.
Just think about this big mess logically."
I am sick and tired of reading the rants and raves of those that write to get over it, obviously they don't have friends and family that they care about. I don't care where they have the graduation as long as there is room for those that wish to attend and not put limits. I am disappointed that the board did not take a vote in all this mess up. I think that they should have saved this for next year or the years to come when there is enough notice to let students and parents know well in advance what is to take place and not just decide to change things 3 months before graduation. Plans have been made and now they expect us to just toss everything out the window. Also all the expense of purchasing there package of all the graduation announcements and other items, most of that stuff is of no use to me I can only send out 1 announcement I can go to Kinko's and make my own announcements that would cost me about 1.00 but I spent 189.00 on this pkg. I would like to know how I can get a refund on this. The more that things happen with graduation the worse it gets, now the students will not get their caps and gowns until the day of graduation. What about wanting to take pictures with cap and gown to send to Friends and family, first they can not attend now we cant send pictures with what they would look like on graduation DAY. I guess the students are also suppose to walk the line in there caps and gowns all wrinkled because they will not have time to press or iron them to look decent. I am so disappointed in this whole mess. We have planned this day for months and waited for years to see our child graduate and take the next step in life but I can honestly say that Rio Rancho High School ruined this for us. I wish I could take this to court and let the RRHS know what they have done to the students and parents that are in my same situation we need our voices heard. very upset in Rio Rancho
The Santa Ana Casino owns the Santa Ana Star Center. The casino will reap the profits from the fee for holding the RRHS graduation at the Star Center.
Who would you rather have reap the profit? The Santa Ana Casino? or the University of New Mexico?
Mr. Warren,
The Santa Ana Star bought the NAMING RIGHTS, not the center. The casino won't gain a dime from graduation. Read your newspaper, you are uninformed.
See http://www.nmbiz.com/06-09Sept/24.htm for the straight skinny on who owns the "Star".
did anyone like that "knock knock" joke?
By the way, if you click on this link, you will see the list of corporate partners of The Santa Ana Star Center:
Santa Ana Star Casino
The Rio Rancho Observer
99.3 KOB FM
770 KKOB
Mew Mexico's CW
Perfection Honda
JohnnyBoards LLC
First Community Bank
Qwest
Crystal Springs
O'Hare's Grille & Pub / Hot Tamales
Rio Rancho Printing
Hello everybody,
We are just interested in having the graduation at the Pit.
And all those other countries too!
Blog on brother, blog on!
Fact sheet:
http://www.santaanastarcenter.com/partnership/
factsheet.pdf
To: happy my kid is graduating said...
In a nut shell what is this article saying that you sent?
I'm at grapevine0691@aol.com
See http://www.nmbiz.com/06-09Sept/24.htm for the straight skinny on who owns the "Star".
"BACK TO THE PIT"
The Santa Ana Casino are "Corporate Partners" with the Santa Ana Star Center.
Who would you rather have benefit? The Casino? or the University of New Mexico?
What percentage of RRPS has attended UNM?
What percentage of RRPS 2007 will attended UNM?
Thank you for the "skinny"
http://www.santaanastarcenter.com/corporate_
partners.php
UPDATE:
KOAT is interested in updating THEIR story on the fight to have the graduation ceremonies moved back to the Pit. "ANYONE" interested in doing an interview. Please write back with contact information or call.
Cary J. Schwanitz
505-884-6324
Email cschwanitz@hearst.com if you want your views to be heard by KOAT.
News Coverage
KOAT-TV had excellent coverage of the Rio Rancho graduation moving from its original venue at The Pit. There's a short commercial right before the main story.
www.koat.com/video/11177714/index.html?taf=alb
Please email and call Stephanie:
HI, this is Stephanie from the Albuquerque Tribune. I'd like to speak to someone about this. My number is 823-3609.
Thanks,
Stephanie Garcia Krenrich
sgarciakrenrich@abqtrib.com
schoolboard@rrdo.rrps.k12.nm.us, nmiqgovima@state.nm.us, robert.sjostrand@jostens.com, theobserver@rrobserver.com, news@rrobserver.com, wduncan@rrhs.rrps.k12.nm.us, dnsimmons@rrhs.rrps.k12.nm.us, district@rrdo.rrps.k12.nm.us, opinion@abqjournal.com, kvesely@rrdo.rrps.k12.nm.us, target7@thenewmexicochannel.com, news@kobtv.com, sandrade@hearst.com, dick.knipfing@krqe.com, erika.ruiz@krqe.com, krqesoundoff@krqe.com, cizaguirre@hearst.com, mmaez@hearst.com, mgarofalo@hearst.com, jjojola@kobtv.com, administration@ci.rio-rancho.nm.us, cmj2nc@aol.com, mayor@ci.rio-rancho.nm.us, PStephenson@rrhs.rrps.k12.nm.us, mhartranft@abqjournal.com, romero@rrhs.rrps.k12.nm.us, asweet@rrhs.rrps.k12.nm.us, parentconnect@rrdo.rrps.k12.nm.us, Arteche@rrhs.rrps.k12.nm.us, DKelly@rrhs.rrps.k12.nm.us, pivy@rrhs.rrps.k12.nm.us, plopez@rrhs.rrps.k12.nm.us, aeveleth@rrhs.rrps.k12.nm.us, Dobson@rrhs.rrps.k12.nm.us, Moreno@rrhs.rrps.k12.nm.us, rgalindo@rrhs.rrps.k12.nm.us, Simmons@rrhs.rrps.k12.nm.us, barbour@rrhs.rrps.k12.nm.us, yvalencia@rrhs.rrps.k12.nm.us, Romero@rrhs.rrps.k12.nm.us, webmaster@rrdo.rrps.k12.nm.us, vonancken@rrhs.rrps.k12.nm.us, service@Jostens.com, rmartinez@abqjournal.com, sspalding@kobtv.com, rdereyes@kobtv.com, van.tate@krqe.com, SStucker@kobtv.com, JLucas@kobtv.com, mike.powers@krqe.com, Roland.Glembine@krqe.com, annie.mccormick@krqe.com, jen.jackson@krqe.com, bill.diven@krqe.com, cornelas@kobtv.com, cmahoney@kobtv.com, adarveaux@kobtv.com, jmaher@kobtv.com, gschwartz@kobtv.com, aantonio@kobtv.com, ekahnert@kobtv.com, nbrady@kobtv.com, jvigil@kobtv.com, caragon@kobtv.com, tjoles@kobtv.com, KOBWebmaster@kobtv.com, edreher@rrdo.rrps.k12.nm.us, kkobam@citcomm.com, Talkradiojim@aol.com, sgarciakrenrich@abqtrib.com, cschwanitz@hearst.com, ebriseno@abqjournal.com, barmijo@abqjournal.com, editor@abqtrib.com
Mr. VonAncken,
I talked to you on the phone when you returned my call after a couple of days off.
The school board let us order our graduation invitations and we were not told we were going
to be limited to six invitations per family.
We have invited our families from out of town and they have already requested time off to be here.
If the school board wants to move the graduation let it be next year .. not in the last quarter of the year.
It is very unfair for all of us who have made plans and invited all our families to attend the graduation.
I have never heard a high school limiting people from attending a high school graduation.
It’s supposed to be a very special accomplishment in life and a lot of young kids will have to stay home and not be able to see what they have to look forward when they graduate.
It’s a very bad decision …
Rio Rancho Graduation Belongs in the Pit
Tony Maez
Rio Rancho, you have the largest Graduating Class in the entire State and School History what will you do now?
Rio Rancho, “Go BIG or stay HOME”! “The Pit” is the Biggest venue in the state!
Well we are not going to Disneyland.....NO!!! We are going to have our graduation in Rio Rancho so our money WILL NOT be spent in Albuquerque (as stated by the administration) but NO wait the administration OK’d our announcements, cap & gown, class ring and pictures to be bought in Albuquerque?! Hey, at $100 a pop that is $75,000 or at $180 a pop that is $135,000 or at $200 a pop is $150,000, get the picture? Someone other then Rio Rancho is making out good! Do you realize after all is said and done over $500,000 is being spent in Albuquerque on the whole enchilada anyway?
Our Basketball Championship games leading to the finals were at “The Pit" where everyone that we know seemed to make it there with no complaints of the drive, and all done in Albuquerque. (Which was one of the complaints it was too far (17 miles) and dangerous to drive to the graduation but not for the games, and on several different days Rio Rancho drove there because we kept winning and WON IT ALL!?) We have numerous families in Rio Rancho that are season ticket holders to events at the “The Pit” and other events taking place in Albuquerque where the venue is over 18,000+ persons.
FYI: At “The Pit" you have at least 4 ways to enter from and leave North, South, East and West with at least 3 lanes and a newly constructed Freeway you can use going to or when leaving! Lets compare the venues, who knows how long it will take for us to get to and out of the Santa Ana with the whole 2 ways to get there on a 2 lane road with only 1 lane going in and only 1 lane going out, just exactly like a bottle neck, there are no U turns on this little journey. That sounds like fun to me, make sure the family members that received the “golden ticket” and that are allowed to go, all bring their DVD or CD players while driving to and then leaving to get back home that depending on where you live in Rio Rancho is 15 minutes away, each way, that is with no heavy traffic either. Yes this Graduation is going to take a lot longer then 15 minutes drive time each way both going and coming. Also, take a jaunt out there yourself time it from your driveway all the way to where you stop, where you actually park, it will take some of us longer, and speaking of parking, that is going to be a mess! Don’t forget ONLY 1 way in and 1 way out. Did they take into account people other then Rio Rancho and from Albuquerque or even other cities in the state as well as out of state will be coming to this Graduation? This is very important, not everyone going lives in Rio Rancho! You did not take that into consideration.
The decision lends itself with all of the limits placed on it to: no outsiders allowed! We decree by order of VonDuncan and the “many”, at the very last minute - in Rio Rancho, for Rio Rancho, by Rio Rancho, God forbid if you have more then 6 guests!! 2 Parents, 2 Siblings and only 1 set of Grandparents, that is 6, too bad for “Grammy” and “Grampa”, the other set of Grandparents! If you don’t fit into that cookie cutter template logic if you by chance have an extra family member, then you are out of luck, too bad so sad. And to hell with the Aunts and Uncles and Cousins! Draw straws, that is a great idea! Arm wrestle that’s better yet! And to all you folks that bought airline tickets in advance, …shucks. Or if you worked like hell, extra hours or O.T. to have these days off….oops. Oh and the “extra” tickets available, those will be few and far between because 4,500 divided by 750 is 6! But not everyone will need 6, true but based on previous year’s numbers for person’s attending and the fact this is the Largest Graduating Class ever, both mathematically and logically there will be “many” more Seniors that will need more then 6 tickets! We know because several of the Graduates have stated that “everyone” is asking for extra tickets. Think about it a 15,000-person venue down to a 4,500-person venue, WE NEED TICKETS!!
You say, in the past “we always got ‘The Pit’ on a bad day” well not this year, we have in on a Saturday at 4 PM.
And it is very sad to read in the newspaper, people actually condemning those that just happen to have a larger inner circle of more then 6! The attitude is like shame on you for wanting so many tickets, you know if one family needs 2 tickets tops or less, that’s cool, and if one family needs 20 tickets more or less, that’s cool too! But to condemn anyone that have more in their network is ignorance. Just think about the last high school graduation you went to that was not your own child then think about the one you went to that was not related. Now, after you have done that we only go to graduations that we want to go to because of our history with the graduate. We criticize and punish the person graduating because of too many contacts, how very sad. The persons complaining wrote it was “ridiculous”, that narrow-minded mentality is what is “ridiculous” not those that have a larger inner circle of people. More power to you if you know people that want to come witness your achievement! FYI: Our state has one of the highest dropout and suicide rates in the country, just ask Dr. Cleveland. So obtaining your High School diploma is outstanding!
But large sums of money were saved? So says the administration. Yes exactly $1,990.06 was saved! Great that means the 15,000 seats available at “The Pit” for $8K is a much better deal then the 4,500 seats at the hockey rink for $6K? Wait a minute we better ask someone Graduating who can add, if you do the math, each seat at the rink actually costs more then each seat at “The Pit”? Somehow by that logic if both seats are priced the same we should be only paying a total $2,385.00 for the use of the rink not $6,000.00! Again, that total ($2,385) is based on if both the seats at both venues cost the same.
Speaking of more savings, too bad the decision makers don't pay for the graduation accessories that we have to pay for, bought in Albuquerque not Rio Rancho. If you don’t know, Jostens who is handling the announcements was also affected by this last second poorly planned decision. It is too late for them to take out “The Pit” and the location!!! OOPPSS!! It is already etched in stone so to speak, in all of the announcements! (That is NOT going to look good) And because of the downsizing with this last minute decision we now have a surplus of incorrect announcements, much more then we needed in the first place! Now with all the extra announcements that we paid for, now we have to put a total of 2, yes Dos inserts in them, the administration's insert and now our own insert (how professional looking) because the original announcement will in fact still read the Graduation is at “The Pit", maybe with a thick black magic marker we could draw a large X thru that? But hopefully they will see the first insert, which will explain, no it's not at “The Pit" that portion is wrong it is at the “Santa Ana Star owned by the Casino Center hockey rink” here is a map to show you how to get to the 2 lane road after you have driven thru Rio Rancho, (the professionals spent a lot of time clarifying that little tid-bit of info-the name of the venue, even an editor chimed in) but hopefully we who paid for now too many announcements because of the terrible last minute change without everyone’s input are praying they somehow they will see the second insert stating you can't go we are just teasing you, we only have 6 tickets so we can be like “all the other districts” that can ONLY use their Gym, (although if these districts were 17 miles away would love to use “The” storied “Pit”) unlike us with the State’s largest Graduating Class and can use “The Pit”. HEY, No inserts needed if we stay at “The Pit”. Whether you choose one or two inserts to try to explain this debacle in your announcement it won’t look good and will be confusing. So to those lucky ones that won’t be able to go, just send your regards to your Sister or Brother, or Granddaughter or Grandson or favorite Relative that will be Graduating and we the limited family members that flipped a coin to get in, will tell you how it went!
According to the administration of course the most important part of all this graduation, is, it will be in Rio Rancho at the best facility they could get, so that our Graduates can limit the number of members of their families to see them Graduate after 12 years of working hard and they don't get to decide where they want it, the district did it for them, and with only 2 months to go, thank you so much for the early notice, you allowed us no real time to prepare. Even though we had plans that have to be completely changed! People that purchased airline tickets, took time off, etc. We have nothing else going on in our lives. To change venues with such short notice is affecting our Graduates along with thousands of people, and the administration is OK with that?!
Sadly, in the “words of wisdom” from Rio Rancho High School’s own principal’s mouth, where is says, “the choice is yours.” Clearly this is not true even though it has been stated everyday on the announcements he gives. Not ALL of the Seniors had a say a “choice” in this and it is THEIR DAY, right? Not ALL the parents/guardians had a say a “choice” in this and it is THEIR CHILD’S DAY, right? Only a certain few received this important privilege. Just think about that for a minute or 2, how unfair is that? The “Class Song” is “Dream On”, and that is exactly what VonDuncan and Cleveland has told the Class of 2007, “oh you would like your graduation to be returned to ‘The Pit’ Seniors”? “Well ‘Dream On’ Seniors”.
We heard the excuse, “we couldn’t get all the Seniors on the floor last year if we go the the hockey rink we can”. I’m not sure what has changed on the floor of “The Pit” but check and verify this fact, I know I was present in the early 70’s, Sandia High School graduated 2 classes with over 900+ students on the floor and one class which is the Largest Class ever in NM history, with over 1,000+ Seniors all on the floor. So you might want to see why or how that was. Basically, it can be done.
Because of issues with past Graduations but last years in particular, the Class of 2007 and those closest to them get to feel the brunt of the penalty that they are innocent of. What an interesting lesson in life, forget about the stress this ripple affect is causing right now, the decree has spoken. Forget about what is right or wrong or fair and unfair, the decree has spoken. Forget about the fact your announcement will be tacky and confusing and you have much more then you needed, the decree has spoken. Forget about the fact we disrupted your plans and peoples lives, the decree has spoken. Forget about the fact this is YOUR DAY, this is a Celebration, and ALL of your supporting cast does not have to be present, the decree has spoken. Forget about the fact we told you at the last minute, gave you no fair warning with input coming only from the privileged and the administration, sprinkled with a few politicians, the decree has spoken!
An editor and the administration all referred to the “many” that wanted this, what is the problem with putting this to a vote, right now? You will all find out the actual “many” want this event at “The Pit”. Our Seniors will have to revert back to their grade school days, you print up what 750 notes home with 2 boxes to check on the note - “The Pit” or no “Pit”, parents and guardians along with each Senior will vote. Unlike the decree that has been imposed upon everyone, where only a certain “many” voices were heard and acted on, simply, that decision that act in itself is so wrong and so very unfair, this is America right? (The school Board is supposed to uphold the Constitution of the United States, just ask them). Make sure you number each one of these notes that way they can be counted fairly. Add a few lines so the Graduate and their Parent/Guardian can print and sign. If you have a better idea, wonderful as long as the vote process is fair. If the vote comes back no “Pit”, then the editor, the administration and the so called “many” had a finger on the pulse and IF the vote comes back “The Pit” then Hallelujah! Times a wastin’!
At this point, no fair or reasonable explanation can out weigh ALL the reasons why the Graduation should be at “The Pit”. Go ahead and weigh each and every matter honestly and fairly, both sides, the “proof is in the pudding”, fact, the way this entire decision was imposed has been handled, is wrong and very unfair. If it were above board, we would not be writing this.
Sincere apologies if I offended anyone with my sarcasm, I’ve read several comments back and forth when this started here in March with some good news coverage and then very one sided editors chiming in, contradictions and so on, so like a magnet I am jumping in.
And like those before me read everything below and then please "PASS IT ON!
RIO RANCHO BASKETBALL TEAM YOU JUST ROCKED “THE PIT”,
YOU JUST WON YOUR FIRST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP;
MR. VONDUNCAN ENCOURAGED YOU AND ALL STUDENTS
TO “SHOW THEM WE OWN ‘THE PIT’!!
….AND YOU DID!!
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO NOW?
“WE’RE GOING TO DISNEY LAN….WAIT….NO…..
WE WANT TO GO BACK TO “THE PIT” FOR OUR GRADUATION, WE OWN IT NOW!!
DID YOU SEE HOW MANY FANS WE HAD THERE?! IT WAS GREAT-GO RAMS!!!
I FOUND YOU!!!
Thank you for thinking outside "the box" and setting this up. This is great!
Simply, what RRPS has imposed along with everything else they have done regarding this graduation debacle is horrendous! I applaud them for wanting the graduation in Rio Rancho. BUT, not this one, not until the “new” school has a graduating class. No matter how they try to “sell” this, they are hurting too many people. 15 to 16000 persons are affected with roughly 10000 that can’t go.
Evan
"15 to 16000 persons are DIRECTLY affected with roughly 10000 that can’t go"
i think that pretty much sums it up.
i would add: they did not solicit everyone's input either.
The board never ruled on this one, this was all admin and those in the "shadows".
Oh, and you "blog" persons, thank you very much.
06 Parent
"YES the district should have come up with a variety of options and make them available to the public, obtain feedback and base the decision on that feedback in combination with sound financial decisions (as well as access, parking, etc.). YES the timing should have been better. YES the district has not given the public a voice. YES it should probably be moved back to the PIT for this year's graduation."
We heard RRPS has expanded the center seating from 4500 to a little over 5000.
Graduates will get 2 extra tickets max.
Even with this increase they are STILL not allowing up to 10,000 persons attend!
They are "bent" on having this is RR!
They don't care that they NEVER obtained input from everyone affected.
VonAncken is promising they will assist those with their ticket needs. You snooze you lose here.
These efforts should be spent on dropping the "contract" and moving down the hill.
It is sad and amazing what one can do with "power" both good and bad.
RRPS, "its not why you did it, its how you did it!"
Cal
I guess there'll be a whole new batch of whining with the new efforts to resolve this.
"We'll have to get have cable."
"We have to go buy a VCR."
"We'll have to learn to operate a VCR."
"What are you doing for DISH subscribers?"
Family in full support of returning the graduation to The Pit
thank you
Bennie
Hello "Malone"
I just read your comments.
What do you mean about "cable", "vcr" and "dish"?
Thanks,
Randell
Hi,
I would like to see more effort on the part of the administration to get this graduation out of Rio Rancho.
I make no apologies for having more then 6 people coming in from out of town. We set this all up months ago. "Sorry don't cut it"
RRPS we do not agree with how you handled this graduation. Everything here hits the nail on the head. We need you to listen and GO BACK TO THE PIT
Carmen
I cannot get a refund now.
This has to go back to the pit!
I hope I did this right?
Our family agrees that we need to return the the UNM Pit.
Esteban
Hey Malone,
thanks,
where did you get that?
Randell
way "Back to Z Pit" please
How does someone go about accessing channel 15?
sorry
Please relocate the graduation ceremony to The PIT.
Our family will not have enough tickets for all of us to witness our grandson's graduation.
no really its Shane
Ok I was told,
I could put this on the internet
here goes
Walt
I really don't know what to write after reading a ton of these comments. But I do know what the school decided to do at the last minute is wrong on so many levels. I support the petition.
Candice
"Random acts of kindness"
you can quote me
but keep them random dammit
Funny Funny stuff here!!
Go bloggers get us all back to pit
Thank you all for your efforts,
reminds me of the 60's
RIO RANCHO PUBLIC SCHOOLS: We ask that you change this graduation back to the PIT.
Dale
ok, ok,
after reading,
let me guess,
RRPS has come up with even more exciting ways to really foul things up.
Me figures the contract was signed in blood.
so much for the thousands that would like to actually be there.
BACK TO THE PIT one more time
John
I've spent many years trying to squeak out a living in economically depressed communities in New Mexico.
It sure feels good to finally be in a place where the biggest problems in the minds of residents are related to growing pains.
THE BLOG SPOT IS REALLY WONDERFUL THANK YOU FOR THE COMMENTS. OUR FAMILY WILL HAVE OVER 6 PEOPLE COMING. WE DON'T WANT TICKETS WE WANT TO BE AT THE PIT.
CAROLYN
I need tickets for my 12 apostles; my mother and father; Martha and Mary; their brother, and my good pal, Lazarus (I'd move heaven and earth for that guy!). Why do I want all these people to be there? Because that's just how I roll.
So, if you ask yourself, what would Jesus do? I'm here among you to say, "BACK TO THE PIT!!!"
It has been said over and over, lets go back to the pit.
Pete D.
Dr. Sue Cleveland,
well?
Pam
Hello,
Thank you for your interest. "over and over" we have asked to to return to The Pit.
Thank you
SIGN THE PETITION
Add your name and/or comments to this thread. If you want to go BACK TO THE PIT click on "COMMENTS" below and write in the space provided. To sign up for a Google account, is completely free, or you can comment using the other options.
Contact us at cmj2nc@aol.com
We are writing you to please take the time to read all this information and input and return this graduation to the pit. Because valuable time is passing us by let the parents vote on this that way we can put this whole mess to rest.
Lee
Mandy is all for returning the graduation.
Thank you
Mandy is all for returning the graduation.
Thank you
Seniors Rule:
Go back to the Pit
Does anyone know if the people who made the decision to move the graduation to the Santa Ana Star Center have a financial interest in the Star Center or the casino or in any of the Center's corporate partners? Wouldn't that constitute a conflict of interest?
Crazy!
This is really crazy, the administration is driven to keep this out of Albuquerque at any expense. Even though the entire way it has been handled was improper and discriminatory to anyone with a large family network. I really applaud them for what they are trying do, I do. But this really should have been presented to everyone concerned, not at the last minute.
Sal
CONFLICT OF INTEREST:
I read both of these comments that have already been posted here, does anyone know?
Just wondering... said...
Does anyone know if the people who made the decision to move the graduation to the Santa Ana Star Center have a financial interest in the Star Center or the casino or in any of the Center's corporate partners? Wouldn't that constitute a conflict of interest?
AND
Homestar Runner & red rabbit said...
By the way, if you click on this link, you will see the list of corporate partners of The Santa Ana Star Center:
Santa Ana Star Casino
The Rio Rancho Observer
99.3 KOB FM
770 KKOB
Mew Mexico's CW
Perfection Honda
JohnnyBoards LLC
First Community Bank
Qwest
Crystal Springs
O'Hare's Grille & Pub / Hot Tamales
Rio Rancho Printing
Connie
No wonder you are so damn biased you all are "CORPORATE PARTNERS"
"rants and raves" baloney
You all are buddies......pals.
Lisa
Back to the Pit
Camille
"15 to 16000 persons are DIRECTLY affected with roughly 10000 that can’t go"
i think that pretty much sums it up.
i would add: they did not solicit everyone's input either.
The board never ruled on this one, this was all admin and those in the "shadows".
WOW!!!!!
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$4
Please return to the Pit.
Val
Hello to everyone in support of returning the graduating class of 2007. I have some good news and some bad news. The good news is people see this for what it is. The bad news is Rio Rancho Public Schools does not? All this effort is very positive it shows what people can do. I have read all of the rhetoric, people have been naughty and nice. They continue to ignore common sense and disobey everything they hold our children to. Honesty, integrity, fairness, democracy and so on. Many here have said it a helluva lot better then me. I'm proud to be a part of this process to get this changed.
Jonathon
Becky S said...
I want to see my niece graduate at the pit not at a center that sounds a lot like a casino.
Are we going to the casino after the graduation, maybe that is where the staff and board members will be. Heh that is why they changed it, now we can understand their decision better. What were you all thinking!!
We agree with this PETITION to return the 2007 graduation back to the PIT.
wayne
Ethnocentric attitudes trying to melt down 16,000 people into a 5000 person capacity location.
And they are adamant it HAS to be in Rio Rancho.
Just consider everything right about this change and then consider everything wrong about this change.
The answer is so obvious that it has to be money and power driving this whole decision.
My gosh, these are educated people here right?
There is nothing wrong with having the graduation here in Rio Rancho had the process been fair, but it wasn’t.
There also is nothing wrong with having the graduation in Albuquerque under all the circumstances.
There is a HUGE wrong being forced on entire families by those that are really pushing the change.
Do the right thing.
Adam
This is GREAT!!
Back to the Pit please
Santiago
DITTO to everything here.
Kris
Sports Illustrated's Top-20 Sports Venues of the Century:
In June, 1999, Sports Illustrated listed its top-20 sporting venues of the century and The Pit checked in at No. 13.
“Sports Illustrated in 1999 named The Pit one of the Top 20 sporting venues of the 20th century — a list that includes Yankee Stadium, Wrigley Field, Pebble Beach and Daytona International.
Yeah, that’s big-time company. That’s like being compared to Babe Ruth, Joe Louis, Man O’ War, the Roman Empire, George Washington, Marlon Brando, Katharine Hepburn.
When you make an elite list like that maybe something special had to happen in The Pit above and beyond Lobos basketball.
And it did.”
we as parents and graduates need to unite as one and let the board and school know that we will not stand for this. this blog is great and let eachother now what is happening but is the super intendent reading all of this we need to call off the wall and request a emergency board meeting an take off of work or what ever we need to do. But it is going to take alot more than just a few parents to do this. lets continue to let the so called higher ups know that thay cant keep doing what they are doing. They talk about bullies in school and it wont be tolerated but who is doing the bullining WE WONT STAND FOR IT come on every one lets do something
right on!!!
right on!!!
right on!!!
Dang!!
I am really sorry I am late to this little get together.
You all took the words right out of my mouth.
We support this petition.
Luke
please contact Yvette at 994-9648 to help her get names and # to support our voices. we need to present them to the board.
Luke said...
Dang!!
I am really sorry I am late to this little get together.
You all took the words right out of my mouth.
We support this petition.
Luke
Don't give up
We need your help Yvette has arrainged for someone from the news chanell to come out on sunday the 25th to the Santa Ana Star Center at 1:00 pm to come and talk to us parents and those who would like to voice there say in this. PLEASE PLEASE come out and help support us lets show the board they cant just bully us. We need to show that we want the pit back. Please call Yvette for more info 994-9648 thanks for all your support.
did you hear about the new decision that RRHS has now.
Lets broad cast it on TV. WOW what a great IDEA lets just let frends and family sit in our living room with a bowl of popcorn and soda and ejoy the show. How tacky is that.
YVETTE,
WHAT IS YOU EMAIL ADDRESS?
SO PEOPLE CAN HAVE IT.
THANK YOU
RYAN
Hello everyone that would like the graduation to return to THE PIT.
IT IS NOT TO LATE, DON'T GIVE UP.
Please contact Yvette at 994-9648 to help her get names and #’s to support our voices.
We need to network with everyone and present our concerns to the board and administration.
We need to show strength in numbers.
We need your help Yvette has arranged for someone from the news channel to come out on Sunday the 25th to the Santa Ana Star Center at 1:00 pm to come and talk to all parents and those who would like to voice their say in this.
PLEASE EVERYONE, PLEASE come out and help support our request to GO BACK TO THE PIT!.
Lets show the board and administration they can’t just bully us.
WE NEED TO SHOW THAT WE WANT THE PIT BACK.
Please call Yvette for more info 994-9648 thanks for all your support.
REMEMBER WE HAVE TO WORK TOGETHER.
DON'T GIVE UP THERE IS A LOT MORE FAMILIES AND PEOPLE THAT WANT IT AT THE PIT!
THE PIT WILL HOLD UP 15 TO 16,000 PEOPLE.
THAT MEANS OVER 10 TO 11,000 PEOPLE WON’T BE ABLE TO GO.
GO BACK TO THE PIT!!
Thank you,
Yvette
CLICK ON YOUR REFRESH BUTTON
this is Yvette and I did get the news to come to the santa ana to broadcast our opionion they are also intrested in hearing from SENIORS graduating as well, I also want everyone to know that I did get the opportunity to speak to our "WONDERFUL SCHOOL BOARD PRESIDENT" when I asked who had input on the decision to make the change of graduation she said that the school board made the decision on what they thought the community,graduates and parents would have decided to do but WHAT GIVES THEM THE RIGHT TO THINK FOR US just because they are on the school board they still are supposed to involve the students and their parents thats what the board is supposed to do but when speaking to her I got the impression from the way she spoke to me in her words "no matter what we do or say the contract has already been signed and the money been paid and this is the way it is going to be whether we like it or not to bad" and another thing that bothered me was that she said "that life was full of disappointments and that this was one of them and that our graduates needed to forget about it and move on" I am sure that our graduates have had pleanty of disappointments in their life and have already learned to move on or they would not be graduating now and so they know that our voices and thoughts do matter please come on SUNDAY MARCH 25, 2007 at 1:00 pm to the SANTA ANA CENTER where graduation is supposed to be held and I hope that the board is also reading these comments because they also need to know that they were voted into these positions because the community put them their and these types of decisions can also have them taken out the graduates have followed all the rules that you as board members have put into place for all the years that they have been in school and now you let them know that their family and friends cannot not be their with them come on show our graduates THAT WE SUPPORT THEM AND WHAT THEY THINK DOES MATTER anyone intrested in emailing me can at nanee_angel@yahoo.com and PLEASE HELP I CANNOT DO THIS ALONE WE HAVE TO DO THIS AS PARENT SUPPORT FOR OUR GRADUATES
FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND, THE PRESIDENT OF THE SCHOOL BOARD WAS APPROACHED BY A CONCERNED PARENT VIA PHONE ASKING WHY THIS DECISION WAS MADE WITHOUT FAIR INVOLVEMENT FROM THE STUDENTS, AND PARENTS ALIKE. HER ANSWER WAS LESS THAN CORDIAL AND SHE STATED THAT SHE MADE THE DECISION WITHOUT CONSULTING ANYONE BECAUSE SHE HAD THE AUTHORITY TO DO SO.. NOT ONLY DO I FIND THIS HORRIBLY OFFENSIVE, BUT NOT EXACTLY CORRECT. MRS. PRESIDENT OF THE STUDENT BOARD YOU ARE HEREBY PUT ON NOTICE...YOU ONLY HAVE THE AUTHORITY THAT WE AS VOTERS GAVE YOU. IN THIS DECISION MAAM YOU ARE NOT REPRESENTING WHAT WE WANT. I THINK WE NEED TO SERIOUSLY RECONSIDER JUST HOW MUCH AUTHORITY WE WILL ALLOW YOU TO HAVE.
I Assure you this isssue will haunt you for the rest of your shortlived political career. Rio Rancho parents and citizens will not allow this obvious abuse of trust and power to go on unquestioned or unchallenged. Our children are very dear to us. We though you undertood that.
CALL YVETTE 994-9648
Hello everyone that would like the graduation to return to THE PIT.
IT IS NOT TO LATE, DON'T GIVE UP.
Please contact Yvette at 994-9648 to help her get names and #’s to support our voices.
We need to network with everyone and present our concerns to the board and administration.
We need to show strength in numbers.
We need your help Yvette has arranged for someone from the news channel to come out on Sunday the 25th to the Santa Ana Star Center at 1:00 pm to come and talk to all parents and those who would like to voice their say in this.
PLEASE EVERYONE, PLEASE come out and help support our request to GO BACK TO THE PIT!.
Lets show the board and administration they can’t just bully us.
WE NEED TO SHOW THAT WE WANT THE PIT BACK.
Please call Yvette for more info 994-9648 thanks for all your support.
REMEMBER WE HAVE TO WORK TOGETHER.
DON'T GIVE UP THERE IS A LOT MORE FAMILIES AND PEOPLE THAT WANT IT AT THE PIT!
THE PIT WILL HOLD UP 15 TO 16,000 PEOPLE.
THAT MEANS OVER 10 TO 11,000 PEOPLE WON’T BE ABLE TO GO.
GO BACK TO THE PIT!!
Thank you,
Yvette
PUT ON NOTICE PART 2
WAY TO GO YVETTE!!!!
I WILL DEFINATELY BE THERE !!!!!
JOSEPH
PUT ON NOTICE PART 3
I APOLOGIZE IT IS NOT THE PRESIDENT OF THE STUDENT BOARD IT IS THE PRESIDENT OF THE SCHOOL BOARD THAT IS SO WRONGLY MISINFORMED. JUST LIKE I MADE THE CORRECTION TO THIS MISTAKE, THE PRESIDENT OF THE SCHOOL BOARD SHOULD CORRECT HERS.
JOSEPH
EMAIL YVETTE: nanee_angel@yahoo.com
CALL YVETTE: 994-9648
Hello everyone that would like the graduation to return to THE PIT.
IT IS NOT TO LATE, DON'T GIVE UP.
Please contact Yvette at 994-9648 to help her get names and #’s to support our voices.
We need to network with everyone and present our concerns to the board and administration.
We need to show strength in numbers.
We need your help Yvette has arranged for someone from the news channel to come out on Sunday the 25th to the Santa Ana Star Center at 1:00 pm to come and talk to all parents and those who would like to voice their say in this.
PLEASE EVERYONE, PLEASE come out and help support our request to GO BACK TO THE PIT!.
Lets show the board and administration they can’t just bully us.
WE NEED TO SHOW THAT WE WANT THE PIT BACK.
Please call Yvette for more info 994-9648 thanks for all your support.
REMEMBER WE HAVE TO WORK TOGETHER.
DON'T GIVE UP THERE IS A LOT MORE FAMILIES AND PEOPLE THAT WANT IT AT THE PIT!
THE PIT WILL HOLD UP 15 TO 16,000 PEOPLE.
THAT MEANS OVER 10 TO 11,000 PEOPLE WON’T BE ABLE TO GO.
GO BACK TO THE PIT!!
Thank you,
Yvette
We agree with this PETITION to return the 2007 graduation back to the PIT.
Ashton
You all have already written what I wanted to say, thank you.
We agree with this PETITION to return the 2007 graduation back to the PIT.
Dick
City of Vision
wake up!
We agree with this PETITION to return the 2007 graduation back to the PIT.
Oscar
We agree with this PETITION to return the 2007 graduation back to the PIT.
Dr. Sue Cleveland
We agree with this PETITION to return the 2007 graduation back to the PIT.
Anne
We agree with this PETITION to return the 2007 graduation back to the PIT.
Dara
I saw the newscast by KOAT-TV yesterday.
They are trying their darndest to stay in RR.
I pray they would put that much energy to change it back!
Allen
That President of the school board was a witch!
They have NO respect for parents or our children.
I will make it a point to let everyone know what a joke that is.
It is a gool ol' boy network.
And they are stuck on themselves.
6-ticket limit.
One Graduate, has 4 Grandparents, 2 Parents, that equals 6 tickets, but what about divorced families that would now have 6 Grandparents and 4 Parents, that equals 8?
That does not even include Sisters, Brothers, Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, Loved Ones, Neighbors, past Teachers, Employers and Friends!
Now they are saying we will get 8-tickets
We want to have all families and the graduates vote
GO BACK TO THE PIT
Thursday's announcements still might not appease some parents.
Tony Maez said he is a divorced parent of a graduating senior. He ordered 40 invitations and split them with his wife. He said each is expecting to use all their invitations, meaning even the eight-ticket limit wouldn't be enough. As for the telecast, he said that won't help much either because he has satellite. Maez said he might consider sending some people to the high school to watch it if he does not get enough tickets.
Maez said the school should have waited until next year's graduation to make the switch so parents were not surprised.
"I don't have a problem with them moving the graduation to Rio Rancho, but please tell us at the beginning of the year," he said. "This is awful. It (the broadcast) is a Band-Aid to what they did."
Sharon Parker, who has been outspoken about the change, said the broadcast is an admission that the school was wrong when it decided to change the venue.
"It (the broadcast) does not solve my problem," she said. "When they announce (my daughter's) name, I want her to hear them yelling for her," she said. "I want them to be able to hug her when it's over."
Friday, March 23, 2007
Commencement to Be Televised
By Elaine D. Briseño
Journal Staff Writer
This year's Rio Rancho High School graduation ceremony, which turned controversial when the event was moved to the Santa Ana Star Center, will be televised live on cable Channel 15.
The school administration announced at the end of February it would move the May 19 ceremony from the Pit in Albuquerque to the Star Center in Rio Rancho. The move angered some parents because the smaller venue means the school was going to have to limit the number of guests to six per student.
The Pit can accommodate more than 18,000 with standing room while the capacity at Santa Ana is between 6,000 and 7,000.
(It will be closer to 5,000 for the graduation set up)
RioVision, the community access cable channel, announced Thursday it will air the event on CableOne Channel 15 at 4 p.m. May 19. It will be rebroadcast at some point on Channel 17.
"... We've worked with CableOne, (RRHS) principal Richard Von Ancken and the Santa Ana Star Center so that we'll be able to carry the graduation ceremony live," Ed Smith, owner of Edit House Productions LLC, which manages RioVision, said in a news release. "Friends and family members will be able to gather at homes or community venues to see the ceremony."
Residents who have a satellite dish or no cable will not be able to see the broadcast at home. However, Rio Rancho Public Schools will open the high school's Performing Arts Center so the public can view the event there.
Meanwhile, VonAncken said Thursday that the school has increased the number of tickets per student to eight. He also said that local businesses have donated their suites. There will be a drawing to determine which students will be able to use them.
VanAncken said the capacity at the Star Center on graduation day will be about 6,300.
(It will be closer to 5,000 he is fudging)
Students will also have the opportunity to get extra tickets from their friends or to get unclaimed tickets from the school.
VonAncken has said he switched to the smaller arena because he was approached by parents to do it and it also offers a more intimate setting. The Pit, he has said, does not have enough room to accommodate the school's 700 graduates.
Thursday's announcements still might not appease some parents.
Tony Maez said he is a divorced parent of a graduating senior. He ordered 40 invitations and split them with his wife. He said each is expecting to use all their invitations, meaning even the eight-ticket limit wouldn't be enough. As for the telecast, he said that won't help much either because he has satellite. Maez said he might consider sending some people to the high school to watch it if he does not get enough tickets.
Maez said the school should have waited until next year's graduation to make the switch so parents were not surprised.
"I don't have a problem with them moving the graduation to Rio Rancho, but please tell us at the beginning of the year," he said. "This is awful. It (the broadcast) is a Band-Aid to what they did."
Sharon Parker, who has been outspoken about the change, said the broadcast is an admission that the school was wrong when it decided to change the venue.
"It (the broadcast) does not solve my problem," she said. "When they announce (my daughter's) name, I want her to hear them yelling for her," she said. "I want them to be able to hug her when it's over."
VonAcken said the school is doing everything it can to offer more tickets to families who have people coming in from out of town. He said he does not regret moving the ceremony to Rio Rancho and has had only about 14 families approach the school about needing tickets for people coming from out of town for the event.
GRADUATION SITE SWITCH IRKS RIO RANCHO PARENTS
By Stephanie Garcia Krenrich Friday, March 23, 2007
This year, Rio Rancho High School's graduating seniors won't have to drive miles to The Pit, and instead can walk the aisle in a new arena in their own hometown.
(17-18 miles to The Pit on a new freeway with entry and exits N, S, E and W on 3-4 lane roads. For the center you have to drive through Rio Rancho to get to a 2 lane highway, with ONLY 1 way in and 1 way out of the venue, and no way to turnaround! This is easily a 15-minute drive for residents IN Rio Rancho depending what part of the city you live in and the time estimate is with ONLY minimal traffic! Traffic on May 19 will be packed!)
Sound good? Well, not to everyone.
For some of the nearly 700 graduates and their families, the decision to hold commencement exercises at the Santa Ana Star Center instead of The Pit has one big problem.
The new place isn't big enough.
"I ordered 40 invitations," said Tony Maez, whose son will graduate from Rio Rancho High School during the May 19 ceremony. "I'm a divorced parent. My ex-wife has her family. Things like this they should have considered. Now I'm telling my relatives to wait and see what happens."
The Santa Ana Star Center, which opened in November, will hold 5,500 of the graduates' family and friends,
(They originally said 4,500, then they said a little over 5,000, VonAncken is trying to say over 6,000, it will be closer to 5,000)
while the The Pit held 11,000 for the ceremony last year, said Bill Duncan, Rio Rancho High activities director.
(It was closer to 14,000, they had to open a closed section last year. It was a biggest crowd compared to all the other APS graduations in 06. 07 has a bigger class)
The limited space has prompted a collection of angry parents to air their opposition publicly. Some even formed a BLOG to express their distaste over the move.
"The decision should have been made before rather than after families have begun planning," a parent wrote on the blog, at http://www.rioranchogradsunite.blogspot.com/
Kim Vesely, spokeswoman for Rio Rancho Public Schools, said the change was made so students can have graduation in their hometown.
"For many years we've had many inquiries about holding graduation in Rio Rancho," she said. "With the opening of the Santa Ana Star Center, we were able to do it."
Because of the smaller number of seats available, the district will allow graduates a limited number of guests, Duncan said.
Originally, six tickets were to be issued to each graduate this year. That has since been increased to eight tickets each, said Rio Rancho High Principal Richard VonAncken.
The district will make 600 extra tickets available to students, which will be distributed two at a time, starting in early May until they're gone, VonAncken said.
(Those 600 tickets are at the high school and will be televised, this is not at the center)
The ceremony will be also televised on Channel 15, Rio Rancho's public access channel.
Graduation has been held at The Pit for at least the last five years, Duncan said. Before that, the ceremony was at the University of New Mexico's Johnson Gym.
The school district originally set this year's graduation at The Pit on May 19 at 4 p.m. That changed when officials realized the same graduation date and time would be available at the Santa Ana Star Center, Duncan said.
People who oppose the facility change say they weren't involved in the decision-making process.
"It is apparent there was not enough public deliberation about this issue," one parent wrote on the blog. "A decision affecting the entire school population should have been discussed publicly so that all voices were heard prior to the decision."
Although the decision was made at the school level by the principal and the staff, parents were notified immediately in a letter, Vesely said.
(Only 2 months notice)
The change will force families to adjust, Vesely said, but it will have some advantages.
"The graduating class is now so big that students couldn't sit on the gym floor at The Pit," Vesely said. "The (Santa Ana) center has a bigger floor. Students will be able to sit together, and it's a better facility for handicap access."
(They put over a 1,000 graduates on The Pit floor before for some of the past APS schools, it can be done)
Maez says he doesn't oppose the new facility or the fact that school officials want to have the ceremony in their hometown.
But he believes parents should have been informed earlier.
"This is a big step for a kid that is graduating," Maez said. "They want their family to be there."
If you are against the move to return to THE PIT, email echarles1234@aol.com with your comments.
Thank you
SIGN THE PETITION
Add your name and/or comments to this thread. If you want to go BACK TO THE PIT click on "COMMENTS" below and write in the space provided. To sign up for a Google account, is completely free, or you can comment using the other options.
Contact us at cmj2nc@aol.com
To Sue Cleveland,
You are going to get sued or have an injunction brought against you.
What comes around will go around.
Honestly, you are a much better person than this BIG mess.
Here is your time to shine and stop this terrible ordeal.
You have not heard the end of this.
Comment after comment show you never let parents, guardians, seniors, families provide input or have a fair vote or poll.
You only let certain people call in and complain and accepted that along with the other driving force to have this in Rio Rancho.
There is NOTHING wrong with that as long as you let EVERYONE impacted state their case.
That has NOT happened yet.
Have a fair vote now or take it back to The PIT.
I am reading between the lines you are trying very hard to do the right thing and keep the graduation safe.
You are being pressured by someone or others that clearly have power over you.
Because what you are forcing and mandating on graduating seniors and their loved ones in WRONG!
We did the math you are not saving money concerning this matter.
Just by the way you are handling this mistake will not set well at all.
This huge push now by you and company to keep this in Rio Rancho at all costs confirms your error.
But, you are still falling way short concerning the BIG picture; this entire process was NOT FAIR!
You are ignoring that major problem.
Listen; just by you going back to The PIT will calm the crowd.
Sue Cleveland, do the right thing.
Kyle
WE NEED ALL THE SUPPORT PLEASE REMEMBER TO COME OUT TO THE SANTA ANA STAR CENTER TO ON SUNDAY THE 25TH AT 1:00PM TO RALLY TOGETHER WE NEED YOU ALL THAT ARE WRITING IN THANKS
UPDATE:
SEE BOTH NEWSCASTS BELOW:
KOAT is interested in updating THEIR story on the fight to have the graduation ceremonies moved back to the Pit. "ANYONE" interested in doing an interview. Please write back with contact information or call.
Cary J. Schwanitz
505-884-6324
Email cschwanitz@hearst.com if you want your views to be heard by KOAT.
News Coverage
KOAT-TV had excellent coverage of the Rio Rancho graduation moving from its original venue at The Pit. There's a short commercial right before the main story.
FIRST STORY:
www.koat.com/video/11177714/index.html?taf=alb
SECOND STORY:
http://www.koat.com/video/11334805/index.html?taf=alb
Please email and call Stephanie:
She did a GREAT STORY below:
(Note: The Parentheses comments() along with her story are from one of our Blog contributors, [thank you])
HI, this is Stephanie from the Albuquerque Tribune. I'd like to speak to someone about this. My number is 823-3609.
Thanks,
Stephanie Garcia Krenrich
sgarciakrenrich@abqtrib.com
Stephanie Garcia Krenrich said...
GRADUATION SITE SWITCH IRKS RIO RANCHO PARENTS
By Stephanie Garcia Krenrich Friday, March 23, 2007
This year, Rio Rancho High School's graduating seniors won't have to drive miles to The Pit, and instead can walk the aisle in a new arena in their own hometown.
(17-18 miles to The Pit on a new freeway with entry and exits N, S, E and W on 3-4 lane roads. For the center you have to drive through Rio Rancho to get to a 2 lane highway, with ONLY 1 way in and 1 way out of the venue, and no way to turnaround! This is easily a 15-minute drive for residents IN Rio Rancho depending what part of the city you live in and the time estimate is with ONLY minimal traffic! Traffic on May 19 will be packed!)
Sound good? Well, not to everyone.
For some of the nearly 700 graduates and their families, the decision to hold commencement exercises at the Santa Ana Star Center instead of The Pit has one big problem.
The new place isn't big enough.
"I ordered 40 invitations," said Tony Maez, whose son will graduate from Rio Rancho High School during the May 19 ceremony. "I'm a divorced parent. My ex-wife has her family. Things like this they should have considered. Now I'm telling my relatives to wait and see what happens."
The Santa Ana Star Center, which opened in November, will hold 5,500 of the graduates' family and friends,
(They originally said 4,500, then they said a little over 5,000, VonAncken is trying to say over 6,000, it will be closer to 5,000)
while the The Pit held 11,000 for the ceremony last year, said Bill Duncan, Rio Rancho High activities director.
(It was closer to 14,000, they had to open a closed section last year. It was a biggest crowd compared to all the other APS graduations in 06. 07 has a bigger class)
The limited space has prompted a collection of angry parents to air their opposition publicly. Some even formed a BLOG to express their distaste over the move.
"The decision should have been made before rather than after families have begun planning," a parent wrote on the blog, at http://www.rioranchogradsunite.blogspot.com/
Kim Vesely, spokeswoman for Rio Rancho Public Schools, said the change was made so students can have graduation in their hometown.
"For many years we've had many inquiries about holding graduation in Rio Rancho," she said. "With the opening of the Santa Ana Star Center, we were able to do it."
Because of the smaller number of seats available, the district will allow graduates a limited number of guests, Duncan said.
Originally, six tickets were to be issued to each graduate this year. That has since been increased to eight tickets each, said Rio Rancho High Principal Richard VonAncken.
The district will make 600 extra tickets available to students, which will be distributed two at a time, starting in early May until they're gone, VonAncken said.
(Those 600 tickets are at the high school and will be televised, this is not at the center)
The ceremony will be also televised on Channel 15, Rio Rancho's public access channel.
Graduation has been held at The Pit for at least the last five years, Duncan said. Before that, the ceremony was at the University of New Mexico's Johnson Gym.
The school district originally set this year's graduation at The Pit on May 19 at 4 p.m. That changed when officials realized the same graduation date and time would be available at the Santa Ana Star Center, Duncan said.
People who oppose the facility change say they weren't involved in the decision-making process.
"It is apparent there was not enough public deliberation about this issue," one parent wrote on the blog. "A decision affecting the entire school population should have been discussed publicly so that all voices were heard prior to the decision."
Although the decision was made at the school level by the principal and the staff, parents were notified immediately in a letter, Vesely said.
(Only 2 months notice)
The change will force families to adjust, Vesely said, but it will have some advantages.
"The graduating class is now so big that students couldn't sit on the gym floor at The Pit," Vesely said. "The (Santa Ana) center has a bigger floor. Students will be able to sit together, and it's a better facility for handicap access."
(They put over a 1,000 graduates on The Pit floor before for some of the past APS schools, it can be done)
Maez says he doesn't oppose the new facility or the fact that school officials want to have the ceremony in their hometown.
But he believes parents should have been informed earlier.
"This is a big step for a kid that is graduating," Maez said. "They want their family to be there."
I AM A SENIOR THIS YEAR AND I REALLY THINK HOW THEY MOVED GRADUATION WITHOUT INFORMING US BEFORE WE BOUGHT OUR ANNOUNCEMENTS WAS VERY WRONG. THEY SHOULD HAVE LET US KNOW SOONER SO WE COULD HAVE TOLD OUR FAMILIES THAT ARE OUT OF TOWN TO JUST STAY HOME. THE SCHOOL ALWAYS CRIES AND COMPLAINS WHEN WE DONT FOLLOW THERE RULES WELL LOOK WHO IS NOT FOLLOWING THEM NOW! WHY SHOULD WE FOLLOW RULES IF THEY AINT EVEN GONNA FOLLOW THEM ITS JUST NOT FAIR. IT ALSO MEANS SO MUCH TOO MANY OF US SENIORS TO HAVE OUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO WATCH US GRADUATE. THEY ARE SAYING THEY CAN WATCH IT ON TV ITS NOT THE SAME. WE WANT SUPPORT NOT JUST FROM OUR PARENTS WE WANT IT FROM EVERYONE.IT IS A BIG ACCOMPLISHMENT IN OUR LIVES AND WE WANT TO SHOW OUR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS THAT WE DID IT AND HOW PROUD OF US THEY ARE. HOW ARE WE GONNA GET SUPPORT IF THEY ARE AT HOME?YOU WANT THEM TO SIT ON THE COUCH AND YELL FROM HOME? OW YEAH REAL GOOD WE WILL HEAR THEM CHEERING FOR US...THATS NOT RIGHT...I AM RELLY GLAD THAT MY MOM IS DOING EVERYTHING TO SHOW THE PRESIDENT OF THE SCHOOL BOARD THAT SHE DOES NOT HAVE THE POWER TO THINK FOR US OR DO WHAT SHE WANTS JUST SHE IS THE "PRESIDENT" HOW BIG DEAL AND I AM A SENIOR SO WHAT? IT NEEDS TO GET MOVED BACK TO THE PIT!!!WE OWN THE PIT THANKS TO OUR BOYS BASKETBALL SO NOW WHY CANT WE GRADUATE THERE? PLEASE EVERYONE BE THERE ON SUNDAY AT 1:00 TO HELP SUPPORT ME AND MY MOM AND SHOW THE SCHOOL BOARD THAT THEY NEED TO INVOLVE US TOO NOT JUST THEMSELVES.
WE NEED ALL YOUR SUPPORT PLEASE
REMEMBER TO COME OUT TO THE SANTA ANA STAR CENTER TO ON SUNDAY THE 25TH AT 1:00PM
THAT IS TOMORROW!
TO RALLY TOGETHER WE NEED YOU ALL THAT ARE WRITING IN
THANKS
I have worked my butt off in high school and my ENTIRE family has supported me in these twelve hard years of work and this is how you repay the class of 2007?
It's not my fault you're only giving me six tickets, oh, maybe eight?
Since RRPS is so good at making my decisions for me than maybe you can help me evaluate how I am going to divide up my tickets among my family and loved ones?
We were not asked for or allowed to give you our thoughts.
just read this said...
CONFLICT OF INTEREST:
I read both of these comments that have already been posted here, does anyone know?
Just wondering... said...
Does anyone know if the people who made the decision to move the graduation to the Santa Ana Star Center have a financial interest in the Star Center or the casino or in any of the Center's corporate partners? Wouldn't that constitute a conflict of interest?
AND
Homestar Runner & red rabbit said...
By the way, if you click on this link, you will see the list of corporate partners of The Santa Ana Star Center:
Santa Ana Star Casino
The Rio Rancho Observer
99.3 KOB FM
770 KKOB
Mew Mexico's CW
Perfection Honda
JohnnyBoards LLC
First Community Bank
Qwest
Crystal Springs
O'Hare's Grille & Pub / Hot Tamales
Rio Rancho Printing
Connie
I support returning the graduation to The Pit.
CALL YVETTE: 994-9648
EMAIL YVETTE: nanee_angel@yahoo.com
Hello everyone that would like the graduation to return to THE PIT.
We need your help Yvette has arranged for someone from the news channel to come out on Sunday the 25th to the Santa Ana Star Center at 1:00 pm to come and talk to all parents and those who would like to voice their say in this.
IT IS NOT TO LATE, DON'T GIVE UP.
Please contact Yvette at 994-9648 to help her get names and #’s to support our voices.
We need to network with everyone and present our concerns to the board and administration.
We need to show strength in numbers.
We need your help Yvette has arranged for someone from the news channel to come out on Sunday the 25th to the Santa Ana Star Center at 1:00 pm to come and talk to all parents and those who would like to voice their say in this.
PLEASE EVERYONE, PLEASE come out and help support our request to GO BACK TO THE PIT!.
Lets show the board and administration they can’t just bully us.
WE NEED TO SHOW THAT WE WANT THE PIT BACK.
Please call Yvette for more info 994-9648 thanks for all your support.
REMEMBER WE HAVE TO WORK TOGETHER.
DON'T GIVE UP THERE IS A LOT MORE FAMILIES AND PEOPLE THAT WANT IT AT THE PIT!
THE PIT WILL HOLD UP 15 TO 16,000 PEOPLE.
THAT MEANS OVER 10 TO 11,000 PEOPLE WON’T BE ABLE TO GO.
GO BACK TO THE PIT!!
Thank you,
Yvette
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